1.Evolving Paradigms in IgA Nephropathy Management: from Traditional Risk Stratification to Biomarker-Driven Precision Medicine
Dingding WANG ; Meng YAO ; Xiao LIU ; Qingxian ZHAI ; Qiong WEN ; Wei CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):317-323
IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide and a major cause of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. IgAN exhibits marked heterogeneity in clinical presentation, histopathology, and pathogenic mechanisms, contributing to variable treatment responses and prognosisamong patients. Precise risk assessment and individualized intervention are therefore of critical importance. This review systematically traces the evolution of IgAN management from traditional risk stratification toward biomarker-driven precision medicine. We first review the clinical utility and limitations of established risk stratification tools, including the KDIGO guidelines, the Oxford MEST-C classification, and the International IgAN Prediction Tool. We then discuss emerging biomarkers closely linked to disease pathogenesis, including galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1), anti-Gd-IgA1 autoantibodies, B cell activating factor (BAFF), a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), and complement components, as well as the targeted therapies they have informed. In addition, urinary biomarkers and multi-omics approaches show promise for dynamic disease monitoring and individualized risk stratification.
2.Correlation of emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children with maternal parenting competence and family rearing environment
FANG Ling, QIAN Duoduo, CHEN Zongfang, WU Qiong, GUO Ningtian, SHEN Jing, ZHAI Jinxia
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):522-526
Objective:
To investigate the emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children and the correlations with maternal parenting competence and family rearing environment, so as to provide a scientific basis and practical guidance for the physical and mental health development of preschool children.
Methods:
In June 2025, 660 preschool children aged 3-6 years old were selected from 10 kindergartens in Hefei, Anqing, and Tongling in Anhui Province by using a stratified cluster random sampling method. A questionnaire survey was conducted among all parents of preschool children using the Parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Child Family Rearing Environment Scale, and the Chinese version of the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the related factors of emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children. SPSS macro program Process 4.1 and Bootstrap method were used to test the mediating effect of family parenting environment between emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children and maternal parenting competence.
Results:
The detection rate of emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children was 20.15%. The total scores of family rearing environment and maternal parenting competence were negatively correlated with emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children ( r =-0.45,-0.79), and the total score of family rearing environment was positively correlated with the total score of maternal parenting competence ( r =0.43) (all P <0.01). Multiple linear regression showed that, after controlling whether being only child, parents educational level, registered residence location and other variables, family rearing environment, self efficacy and satisfaction were all negative predictors of emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children ( B =-0.07, -0.42, -0.42, all P <0.01). The mediation effect results showed that maternal parenting competence could positively predict the family rearing environment ( B =0.75), while maternal parenting competence and family rearing environment could both negatively predict emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children ( B =-0.49, -0.06 ) (all P <0.05). The Bootstrap sampling method test results showed that the effect value of the indirect effect of maternal parenting competence on emotional and behavioral problems through the family rearing environment was -0.04, and the effect proportion was 8.21 %.
Conclusion
Preschool children with a better family rearing environment and stronger maternal parenting competence are less likely to have emotional and behavioral problems, among which the family rearing environment has a mediating effect.
3.Effect of phrenic nerve-abdominal muscle electrical stimulation on pulmonary ventilation distribution in stroke patients: a study with electrical impedance tomography
Zhu CHEN ; Liru ZHAI ; Cunxia CAO ; Xiaohua PENG ; Tao HUANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(5):571-576
ObjectiveTo quantitatively evaluate the effect of phrenic nerve-abdominal muscle electrical stimulation on pulmonary ventilation distribution in stroke patients using electrical impedance tomography (EIT). MethodsThirty-five stroke patients were enrolled at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from September, 2024 to June, 2025, and all received standardized phrenic nerve-abdominal muscle electrical stimulation. Percentage of ventilation in gravity-dependent regions of interesting (ROI%), center of ventilation (COV), global inhomogeneity index (GI) and change in end-expiratory lung impedance (ΔEELI) were measured with EIT monitoring before treatment (T0), immediately after treatment (T1), and at five, ten, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40 and 50 minutes after treatment (T2 to T9). ResultsThere were significant differences in ROI% (F = 7.003, P < 0.001) and COV (F = 5.722, P < 0.001) at different time points, both peaking at T1, followed by a downward trend until T5. No significant differences were observed in GI (F = 1.849, P = 0.097) and ΔEELI (F = 0.208, P = 0.871) across time points; however, GI at T7 was lower than that at T0 (P < 0.05). ConclusionPhrenic nerve-abdominal muscle electrical stimulation can improve the ventilation ratio in gravity-dependent regions and shift the center of ventilation dorsally. The improvement in ventilation distribution generally peaks at the end of treatment and lasts for approximately 20 minutes.
4.Expert consensus on a stepwise strategy for the surgical management of empyema based on pathological staging (2026 edition)
Jichen QU ; Yunjiu GOU ; Guangyu CHEN ; Yongfu ZHAI ; Tinglong MA ; Xiaogang ZENG ; Feng JIN ; Yanzheng SONG ; Boxiong XIE ; Minjie MA ; Bin LI ; Jiang FAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):988-998
The surgical management of empyema (excluding those caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria) is rapidly evolving towards minimally invasive, precise, and stepwise approaches. The traditional three-stage classification (exudative, fibrinopurulent, and organizing) has limitations in guiding dynamic clinical decision-making. For the first time, this consensus explicitly identifies two critical junctures in the pathological progression of empyema: "early transformation" (stage Ⅰ to Ⅱ) and "late transformation" (stage Ⅱ to Ⅲ), and thereby constructs a corresponding "identification-early warning-intervention" stepwise therapeutic framework. The consensus emphasizes that proactive debridement via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery should be performed during the early transformation phase to halt disease progression. Conversely, during the late transformation phase, therapeutic goals should be rationally adjusted to prioritize adequate drainage, avoiding futile pleural decortication. Moreover, the consensus underscores the pivotal role of precise perioperative etiological diagnosis (e.g. metagenomic nest-generation sequencing) and standardized anti-infective therapy. Integrating practical experiences from multiple thoracic surgery centers in China and relevant evidence-based literature, this consensus formulates recommendations on the precise definitions of staging, surgical indications for each phase, key technical points, perioperative management, and training systems. It aims to promote the standardized and individualized surgical management of empyema, ultimately optimizing patient prognosis.
5.Network structure analysis of the association between physical fitness indicators and anxiety and depressive symptoms among college students
BAI Jianfei, CHEN Wenjia, CAO Chunxia, LI Jianhui, CUI Shuang, ZHAI Feng
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(7):966-970
Objective:
To explore the micro associations and key bridge nodes between physical fitness indicators and anxiety/depressive symptoms among college students using network analysis, so as to provide a theoretical foundation for promoting physical and mental health of college students.
Methods:
From September to October 2025, a combination of purposive sampling and cluster sampling was employed to select 2 158 college students from three universities in Xuzhou City. Seven physical fitness indicators were measured and standardized according to the National Student Physical Health Standard. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to assess anxiety and depressive symptoms. Independent samples t-test was used for intergroup comparisons of physical fitness indicators and psychological symptom scores. A gaussian graphical model (GGM) was constructed to calculate node and bridge strength, followed by stability analyses.
Results:
The detection rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms among college students were 21.3% and 24.5%, respectively. Male participants demonstrated superior performance in physical fitness indicators such as vital capacity, 50 meter sprint, and standing long jump compared to female participants, whereas females exhibited better results in the sit and reach test ( t =48.35, -44.82 , 70.21, -16.51, all P <0.01). Regarding psychological indicators, female participants showed higher scores of anxiety and depressive symptoms than males ( t =-4.15, -4.46, both P <0.01). Physical fitness and psychological symptoms were predominantly negatively correlated. "feeling tired" and "not being able to stop or control worrying" were the symptoms with the highest centrality in the network of physical fitness and phychological symptoms among college students (standardized strengths were 2.15 and 1.98, respectively). Among the bridge indicators, the "1 000 m (male)/800 m (female) run" exhibited the highest strength (0.85), outperforming "vital capacity" (0.35); it was linked to the symptom cluster primarily by negatively predicting "feeling tired" (edge weight=-0.38). The network stability was excellent of physical fitness and phychological symptoms among college students (correlation stability coefficient= 0.60 ).
Conclusions
Endurance capacity serves as the most critical bridge connecting physical and mental health, and its decline is closely related to intensified feelings of fatigue. Colleges should prioritize endurance training as a core target for promoting college students mental health.
6.Effect of standardized rehabilitation unit on traumatic brain injury
Qianqian CHI ; Xiaonian ZHANG ; Xiaomin ZHU ; Wanyue SUN ; Xin ZHANG ; Jin ZHOU ; Hongwei BU ; Lei ZHAI ; Xin ZHANG ; Zirui LING ; Hongyu CHEN
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(9):1033-1040
ObjectiveTo establish three standardized rehabilitation unit models covering acute, critical and comprehensive recovery stages for traumatic brain injury (TBI) that fit the whole-course characteristics, clarify their multidisciplinary collaborative framework, standardized procedures, and information management system, and verify the clinical effectiveness of this staged rehabilitation unit on long-term functional prognosis and in-hospital complications of TBI patients. MethodsThis study was conducted at two stages: model construction and efficacy verification. At the first stage, TBI rehabilitation units for acute, critical and recovery stages were established in the Department of Neurosurgery, Intensive Care Unit and Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, respectively, with unified multidisciplinary team configuration, standardized assessment and treatment protocols, collaborative workflows, and a dedicated information management system. At the second stage, 324 TBI patients admitted to the newly built rehabilitation units from July, 2023 to July, 2025 were enrolled as the observation group, and 167 TBI patients receiving traditional management from January, 2018 to December, 2022 were retrospectively selected as the control group. The primary outcomes were 1-year post-injury Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and Disability Rating Scale (DRS) scores. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of in-hospital complications and the mean indwelling time of tracheal intubation, gastric tube and urinary catheter. ResultsThe 1-year GOS score was significantly higher (t = -7.836, P < 0.001), and the DRS score was significantly lower (t = -6.742, P < 0.001) in the observation group than in the control group. The overall incidence of complications was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (χ2 = 18.762, P < 0.001). The incidences of pulmonary infection, urinary tract infection, pressure ulcer, lower extremity venous thrombosis and joint contracture deformity were all significantly reduced (χ2 > 4.328, P < 0.05). The indwelling time of tracheal intubation, gastric tube and urinary catheter was significantly shorter in the observation group than in the control group (t > 10.276, P < 0.001). ConclusionThe acute-critical-comprehensive three-stage standardized TBI rehabilitation unit could significantly improve the long-term functional outcomes of TBI patients, reduce the incidence of complications, and shorten the indwelling time of invasive tubes through multidisciplinary collaboration, whole-course standardized management and information-based quality control. This model conforms to the pathological and functional laws of TBI, realizes seamless whole-course connection from acute treatment to recovery rehabilitation, and has good clinical feasibility and promotion value. It can provide evidence-based evidence and practical reference for the homogenized and standardized development of TBI rehabilitation in China.
7.Influencing factors for autism spectrum disorder in Chinese children: a meta analysis
CHEN Xi ; YANG Hongsheng ; LI Wei ; ZHAI Rui ; JIANG Yanlin ; WANG Junhong
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):181-188
Objective:
To systematically evaluate the influencing factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Chinese children, so as to provide the evidence for risk prediction and intervention of ASD.
Methods:
The publications pertaining to the influencing factors for ASD in Chinese children were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed and Embase database from inception to August 2024. A meta-analysis was performed using R package version 4.4.1. Sensitivity analysis was performed using the "leave-one-out" evaluation procedure. Publication bias was assessed using Egger regression test.
Results:
A total of 38 high-quality articles out of 9 015 articles were finally included, covering 149 607 individuals, with 5 974 cases of ASD. The meta-analysis showed that demographic factors including family history of related diseases (OR=14.958), maternal age of ≥35 years (OR=2.287) and parental history of hazardous occupations (OR=3.511); pregnancy-related factors including history of abortion (OR=5.832), no folate supplementation before and during pregnancy (OR=4.566), tobacco exposure before and during pregnancy (OR=2.596), history of other adverse exposures before and during pregnancy (OR=3.533), history of infectious diseases during pregnancy (OR=3.753), history of non-infectious diseases during pregnancy (OR=2.563), psychological problems during pregnancy (OR=3.864), history of medication during pregnancy (OR=6.651), adverse environmental exposures during pregnancy (OR=3.754), severe pregnancy reactions (OR=5.082), abnormal perinatal period (OR=2.987), cesarean delivery (OR=1.659), other perinatal adverse factors (OR=3.856), history of neonatal asphyxia (OR=2.792) and neonatal jaundice (OR=3.687); parenting factors including non-exclusive breastfeeding (OR=2.510), early/excessive screen exposure (OR=3.589) and feeding problems (OR=3.113); and individual factors including being male (OR=3.333) and history of convulsions/epilepsy (OR=7.035) were influencing factors for ASD in Chinese children.
Conclusions
The prevalence of ASD in Chinese children is primarily associated with 23 influencing factors, including family history of related diseases, history of abortion, no folate supplementation before and during pregnancy, medication during pregnancy, early/excessive screen exposure and history of convulsions/epilepsy.
8.Regulation of Tumor Immune Homeostasis by Programmed Cell Death and Intervention Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Under Theory of Regulating Qi and Resolving Toxins
Bingwei YANG ; Xue CHEN ; Chenglei WANG ; Haoyu ZHAI ; Weidong LI ; Baojin HUA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):212-220
Tumor immune homeostasis is a dynamic equilibrium state in which the body removes abnormal mutated cells in time to prevent tumor development without damaging other normal cells under the surveillance of the immune system. It is an important concept to understand the process of tumor development. Programmed cell death (PCD) is a kind of regulable cell death including various forms such as apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, necrosis, and ferroptosis. It is regarded as an important way for the body to remove abnormal or mutated cells. In recent years, modern research has found that PCD has a bi-directional regulatory effect on carcinogenesis and tumor development. In the early stage of tumor formation, PCD can control tumor development in time by playing a specific immune clearance role, while in the later tumorigenic stage, PCD can promote the growth and development of tumor cells by forming a tumor-specific microenvironment, resulting in carcinogenic effects. Therefore, PCD is regarded as an important way to maintain tumor immune homeostasis. Based on the idea of ''supporting the vital Qi and cultivating the root'' by professors Yu Guiqing and Piao Bingkui, the team proposed the theory of ''regulating Qi and resolving toxins'' and applied it to clinical tumor prevention and treatment. Based on the theory of ''regulating Qi and resolving toxins'', the research summarized the current progress of modern medical research on mechanisms related to PCD to explore the role of PCD in the regulation of tumor immune homeostasis. The article believed that the harmonious state of Qi movement was the basic condition for normal PCD to maintain tumor immune homeostasis, while the disorder of Qi movement and the evolution of tumor toxicity were the core processes of abnormal PCD and disorder of tumor immunity homeostasis, which led to the escape and development of tumor cells. Therefore, under the guidance of ''regulating Qi and removing toxins'', the idea of full-cycle prevention and treatment of tumors was proposed summarily. In the early stage of tumor formation, the method of ''regulating Qi movement and strengthening vital Qi'' was applied to reestablish tumor immune homeostasis and to promote the elimination of abnormal cells. In the late tumorigenic stage, the method of ''resolving toxins and dispelling evils'' was applied to reverse the specific microenvironment of tumors and inhibit the development of tumor cells, with a view to providing new theoretical support for the prevention and treatment of tumors through traditional Chinese medicine.
9.Regulation of Tumor Immune Homeostasis by Programmed Cell Death and Intervention Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Under Theory of Regulating Qi and Resolving Toxins
Bingwei YANG ; Xue CHEN ; Chenglei WANG ; Haoyu ZHAI ; Weidong LI ; Baojin HUA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):212-220
Tumor immune homeostasis is a dynamic equilibrium state in which the body removes abnormal mutated cells in time to prevent tumor development without damaging other normal cells under the surveillance of the immune system. It is an important concept to understand the process of tumor development. Programmed cell death (PCD) is a kind of regulable cell death including various forms such as apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, necrosis, and ferroptosis. It is regarded as an important way for the body to remove abnormal or mutated cells. In recent years, modern research has found that PCD has a bi-directional regulatory effect on carcinogenesis and tumor development. In the early stage of tumor formation, PCD can control tumor development in time by playing a specific immune clearance role, while in the later tumorigenic stage, PCD can promote the growth and development of tumor cells by forming a tumor-specific microenvironment, resulting in carcinogenic effects. Therefore, PCD is regarded as an important way to maintain tumor immune homeostasis. Based on the idea of ''supporting the vital Qi and cultivating the root'' by professors Yu Guiqing and Piao Bingkui, the team proposed the theory of ''regulating Qi and resolving toxins'' and applied it to clinical tumor prevention and treatment. Based on the theory of ''regulating Qi and resolving toxins'', the research summarized the current progress of modern medical research on mechanisms related to PCD to explore the role of PCD in the regulation of tumor immune homeostasis. The article believed that the harmonious state of Qi movement was the basic condition for normal PCD to maintain tumor immune homeostasis, while the disorder of Qi movement and the evolution of tumor toxicity were the core processes of abnormal PCD and disorder of tumor immunity homeostasis, which led to the escape and development of tumor cells. Therefore, under the guidance of ''regulating Qi and removing toxins'', the idea of full-cycle prevention and treatment of tumors was proposed summarily. In the early stage of tumor formation, the method of ''regulating Qi movement and strengthening vital Qi'' was applied to reestablish tumor immune homeostasis and to promote the elimination of abnormal cells. In the late tumorigenic stage, the method of ''resolving toxins and dispelling evils'' was applied to reverse the specific microenvironment of tumors and inhibit the development of tumor cells, with a view to providing new theoretical support for the prevention and treatment of tumors through traditional Chinese medicine.
10.Mechanism of Shaoyaotang in Modulating MDSCs-related Immunosuppressive Microenvironment in Prevention and Treatment of Colitis-associated Carcinogenesis
Xue CHEN ; Chenglei WANG ; Bingwei YANG ; Haoyu ZHAI ; Ying WU ; Weidong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):10-19
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Shaoyaotang in the prevention and treatment of colitis-associated carcinogenesis (CAC) based on myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs)-related immunosuppressive microenvironment. MethodsA total of 140 six-week-old SPF FVB male mice were randomly divided into seven groups: Blank group, Shaoyaotang without model group (7.12 g·kg-1), model group, sulfasalazine group (0.52 g·kg-1), Shaoyaotang low-dose group (3.56 g·kg-1), Shaoyaotang medium-dose group (7.12 g·kg-1) and Shaoyaotang high-dose group (14.24 g·kg-1), with 20 mice in each group. The blank control group and the Shaoyaotang without model group received a single intraperitoneal injection of physiological saline (10 mg·kg-1), while the other five groups were given a single intraperitoneal injection of azoxymethane (AOM) (10 mg·kg-1). After 1 week, the mice were given drinking water containing 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 1 week, followed by normal drinking water for 2 weeks. This cycle was repeated three times over a total period of 14 weeks to establish the CAC mouse model. Each group was administered gavage once daily for 2 weeks starting on the 14th day of the experiment, followed by three times a week until the end of the experiment. The body weight of the mice was recorded weekly. Mice were sacrificed on the 28th and 98th days of the experiment. After dissection, the colon length, colon weight, spleen weight, tumor size, and tumor number were measured. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the pathological morphology of colon tumor tissue. Flow cytometry was used to detect MDSCs, regulatory T cells (Tregs), CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and the CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio in the spleen. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression levels of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB (p-NF-κB), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in the colon tissue. ResultsOn day 14, compared with the blank group, the body weight of the model group was significantly reduced (P<0.01), reaching its lowest point on day 28 (23.39 ± 0.95 ) g. On days 28 and 98, compared with the blank group, the colon length in the model group was significantly shortened (P<0.01), the colon index significantly increased (P<0.01), the spleen index significantly increased (P<0.01), and the tumor load significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining showed that in the model group, tumor cells, a large number of inflammatory cell infiltrates, goblet cell disappearance, and crypt loss were observed. In each dose group of Shaoyaotang, the damage to the colonic mucosa, inflammatory cell infiltration, and crypt structure destruction were alleviated. Compared with the model group, the body weight of mice in each dose group of Shaoyaotang increased. On day 98, the colon length was significantly increased (P<0.01), the colon index significantly decreased (P<0.01), the spleen index significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the tumor burden significantly decreased (P<0.01) in each Shaoyaotang dose group. On days 28 and 98, MDSCs and Tregs in the spleen of the medium- and high-dose Shaoyaotang groups were significantly reduced (P<0.01), while CD4+ T cells and the CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio were significantly increased (P<0.01). The proportion of CD8+ T cells in the spleen and the expression levels of PD-1 and PD-L1 in the colon tissues of mice in each Shaoyaotang dose group were significantly increased to varying degrees (P<0.05, P<0.01). On days 28 and 98, the expression of p-AMPK-positive cells in the colon tissue of the medium- and high-dose Shaoyaotang groups was significantly increased (P<0.01), while the expression of p-NF-κB and HIF-1α was significantly reduced (P<0.01). ConclusionShaoyaotang can regulate MDSC recruitment and modulate the immune function of T lymphocyte subsets to inhibit the occurrence and development of AOM/DSS-induced CAC in mice. The mechanism may be related to the activation of the AMPK/NF-κB/HIF-1α pathway.


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